BML Warns Against Scam Calls Conducted In The Name of PSM

The Bank of Maldives (BML) has advised the public to be aware of scam calls conducted in the name of Public Service Media (PSM). In a statement released by BML, the bank stated that scam calls have been carried out as PSM, urging customers to click on SMS messages with hacking links and accessing their Internet banking information.

BML also noted that fraudulent calls have been made to customers encouraging them to share specific information and One-Time Passwords (OTPs). Two complaints have been filed in the span of the past five days to the bank regarding the withdrawal of MVR 50,000 and MVR 75,000 via these scams.

Speaking about scam calls, the Public Relations Manager of BML, Mohamed Saeed remarked that a closer look at scam calls reveals that customers are allured through very convincing statements made by scammers such as winning a big prize. Following a call, customers usually receive an SMS with a link through which scam networks access the internet banking username and password. He also noted that scammers ask to share email addresses and OTPs which under no circumstance will the Bank or any other authority ask customers to provide them with.

In addition to this, BML has also received complaints about several other scam schemes. Customers who shop through online pages have complained about not receiving their purchased products or refunds for their purchases following transactions. Similarly, complaints about not receiving payments for USD transactions conducted with unknown third parties have been on the rise among scams.